Robert (Bob) Escobar Jr., BHS 1955

Robert (Bob) Escobar Jr., BHS 1955

May 17, 1937 — April 10, 2025

Robert (Bob) Escobar Jr., age 87 of Gatesville, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Gatesville, Texas

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Scott’s Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Crosby officiating. Interment will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Bob was born on May 17, 1937, to the late Robert Escobar Sr. and Helen Ochoa Escobar in Whittier, California. He graduated from Burbank High School in Burbank, California, before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1956. Serving as an In-Flight Avionics Maintenance Technician, Bob dedicated nearly two decades of his life to the military, a commitment he took great pride in until his retirement in August of 1975. His friends often remarked that he lived and breathed Navy, embodying the values and discipline instilled in him during his service.

On July 19, 1975, Bob married Helen Bechtohold in Northridge, California. Their union was marked by a love for adventure, as they embarked on motorcycle trips across the United States together, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime. After spending many years in Northridge, they moved to Gatesville in 2001, where Bob was an avid supporter of local law enforcement, generously volunteering his time in many different capacities. Bob never met a stranger and consistently offered his help and kindness to anyone in need.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marian Nelson, and his brother Robert “Chino” Escobar Jr. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 49 years, Helen Escobar; his stepson, Robert Logan; his grandson, Vaughan Logan; numerous cousins; and a wealth of friends who will always remember him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development Department, 875 N Randolph St, Suite 225, Arlington, Virginia 22203; or to the Gatesville Boys and Girls Club, 2533 E. Main Street, Gatesville, Texas 76528.

Published in Scott's Funeral Home, Gatesville, Texas, April 10, 2025

Maria (Maggie) Magdalena Gomez Sands, BHS 1949

Maria Magdalena Gomez Sands, BHS 1949 

August 19, 1930 - March 20, 2025

Maria M. (Maggie) Gomez Sands, a lifelong Burbank resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Born in El Paso, TX, she moved to Burbank at a young age and built a life filled with family and joy. 

Maria was free-spirited, the life of the party, and had an unbreakable bond with her siblings. She was ambitious, loving, and always made sure everyone felt comfortable and happy. She was blessed with a big family, having four children, six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored. 

One of her greatest achievements was working at The El Chiquito and eventually owning the restaurant alongside her siblings, creating a place filled with love, community, and lots of fun. She touched countless lives with her generosity and warmth, from her Burbank High School days to her beloved holiday tradition of collecting Santas. Though she will be deeply missed, her love and spirit will live on in all who knew her.

Maria M. Sands passed away about 2 weeks ago on March 20, 2025 at the age of 94. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family. She lived a long and amazing life, and she often talked about how great her High School years were. She made many lifetime friends because of BHS and always shared those memories. 

News article on her Santa collection Link

NOTE: When I first started attending the Senior Bulldog Lunches, Maggie Gomez was always in attendence. I was always the younest and I asked Maggie what year she graduated from and she said 1949 and I laughed and told her that was the year I was born. She said you make me feel old and we had a good laugh. There was a news article in the Burbank newspaer on her Santa collection and she had a copy and was showing it to everyone. She was very proud of her collection. I am glad that I got to meet her as she was the sweetest and nicest person. I bet she is in heaven starting a new Santa collection in heaven. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Valois Jean Smith Gilbert, BHS 1947

Valois Jean Smith Gilbert, BHS 1947

Orange County Register, May 8, 2008

Valois Jean Gilbert, was born in Ohio on February 15, 1930 and went to meet the Lord in her Costa Mesa home on April 30, 2008. She spent her childhood in Burbank, California, graduating from Burbank High School in 1947. 

While attending Southern California College she met her husband Dean. They had two sons, Stephen and Gary. After college Jean and Dean both began teaching jobs in Costa Mesa. They built their first home there together in 1953. After retiring from teaching they devoted their time to traveling and doing missionary work in Papua New Guinea. 

Jean was a tireless worker who spent hours gardening and canning, doing volunteer work with the women of her church, and lovingly serving her family which included 6 grandchildren, Adrianne, Rachel, Lauri, John, Judah and Hosanna as well as 2 great-grandchildren, Tristan and Rainer.

She loved boating and camping, traveling and sewing. She loved knitting and shopping for bargains. She loved to share her home and meals with others. She loved Jesus and her family and her life was an example to all who knew her. For all these things and all that she was she will be missed and remembered with fondness and love.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Harbor Lawn-Mt Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa (Harbor Blvd and Gisler Ave), followed by a 2:00 p.m. Memorial service at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa (Fairview Rd and Sunflower Ave). Arrangements under the direction of Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park and Mortuary in Costa Mesa.